5 Valuable Tips To Prepare AC for Winter
Inland Empire Comfort
December 30, 2022
Winter can be a challenging time for homeowners, as the cold weather takes its toll on their home's appliances and systems. One of the most critical appliances to maintain during this time is your AC system. As it plays a crucial role in ensuring the family's comfort throughout the year, it usually represents a significant investment for homeowners.
In this article, we'll provide five helpful tips that you can use to prepare your AC for winter and the cold months ahead. We'll also tell you about Claremont's trusted air conditioning repair company, Inland Empire Comfort, which offers reliable and affordable services that you can rely on year-round.
Tip #1: Disable Power to the AC Unit
Before winter arrives, we advise turning off the power to the AC unit to prevent any damage from ice build-up and freezing temperatures. You may have various ways you can do this, depending on your unit's model.
In most cases, you'll find an "AC" switch on your system's control panel that turns off the power to the unit. If this isn't possible, you'll need to contact a qualified professional to assist you with this process.
Before shutting the system down, it's wise to leave the thermostat set at a temperature that will prevent the evaporator coil from freezing during winter. This step will protect the system from malfunction or energy-efficiency issues that ice build-up can cause during the winter months.
Tip #2: Thoroughly Clean the System
Many homeowners make the mistake of neglecting their AC units during the off-season, which can cause damage to the system and shorten its lifespan. You should clean the system at least once yearly to keep it in good working order and avoid needing expensive repairs as problems develop.
While cleaning the AC yourself using a garden hose may seem simple, it's more complex than most people realize and requires special tools and knowledge of how each component works. Hiring a professional AC technician to clean the unit and prepare your ac for winter will save time and money in the long run by preventing costly repairs and getting the most out of your investment.
Tip #3: Schedule a Thorough Inspection
While regular inspections are essential for any HVAC equipment, they become especially vital for your AC system during winter. An assessment allows your technician to find potential issues early on and provide solutions before they get out of hand and cause additional problems.
This process typically involves checking the air filters and coils, lubricating moving parts, checking the drainage, and more. Regular maintenance can save you significant money in the future by catching potential problems early and preventing them from escalating.
Tip #4: Cover and Insulate the Unit
While covering your AC unit isn't generally necessary in the Southern California climate, doing so can help protect your home against extreme temperatures and reduce moisture build-up caused by rain or melting snow.
Additionally, it can help extend the life of your system by keeping out debris and other contaminants that can clog the system and prevent it from functioning correctly.
Generally, the more insulation and foam pipe covers you place around the air conditioning unit, the more effective it will be at maintaining a comfortable temperature inside your home.
Tip #5: Check the Unit Regularly
Your air conditioner consists of several components, each requiring regular care and maintenance to function properly. One of the most important things you can do to keep your system in good working order involves inspecting it regularly to catch any issues before they become significant problems.
Especially in the winter, you'll want to check the unit to ensure it stays clean and dry to prevent frozen coils or broken parts from causing more damage that could result in expensive repairs down the road. With regular inspection and proper care, you can ensure that your air conditioner performs at its highest level for years to come.
Get Help Winterizing Your HVAC System Today
If you want to prepare your AC for winter or need help with other aspects of HVAC installation or maintenance, the experts at Inland Empire Comfort are here to help.
We offer a wide range of services, including installing and maintaining heating and air conditioning systems and always strive to provide affordable pricing. So whether you need help covering your AC unit in the winter or have a more complex project, our team can simplify the process.

If you're ready to prepare your AC for winter this year, call Inland Empire Comfort at
(951) 336-1892 to speak to a helpful representative and schedule your service today.
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